Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Marked on the 2nd and 3rd editions of the OS 6-inch maps as the site of 'Loughros Church' (DG073-029001-) with a burial ground (DG073-029003-) marked to the SSE on the 2nd edition. No trace of either a church or burial ground survives. A short distance to the SSE is St. Shanaghan's well (DG073-029002-). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 38) The site is located in rough grazing land to the E of Shanaghan Lough. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as ' "In close contiguity to the site of St. Shanaghan's Church is a beautiful well, which is believed to have been formerly venerated for ages as St. Shanaghan's Well, and though well cared, it shows every sign of antiquity." This is from Dr. Maguire. It is in Ardara parish, but I know nothing further about it. There are several saints called Seanan given in the Martyrologies, and one St. Seanachan, a bishop and abbot of Imleach Iubhair, under 11th December' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 151).

The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Compiled by Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 03 November 2011